Header Graphic
Dr. Ed Chapin, MD. 1926-2006
Linda, Barbara, Edward and Stephen Chapin, and Rebecca, Cynthia and Catherine Gray.

 

Dr. Ed Chapin, MD 1924-2006

 

LEMUEL EDWARD "ED" CHAPIN MD.,FACP,FACG 

 

Passed away at the home of his daughter, Rebecca Lofholm of Kentfield, CA. after three years of battling cancer. 

 

He was born in Twin Falls, Idaho the only son of Irene and Lemuel Chapin on February 4, 1924. He attended school in Twin Falls, where he debated and lettered in major sports and graduated in 1942. 

 

He was one of two Idahoans who attended Stanford that year as an undergraduate. He volunteered for the Army in 1943. He became a Medic and participated in the Battle of the Bulge as the Allies drove the Germans through France and into Germany. In Spring of 1945 his unit, the 845th Battalion, was ordered home for possible deployment to the Japanese Theater, but the war ended. He was proud to be a Patriot and an American. 

 

He returned to Stanford to pursue his Medical career. He helped reactivate the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He finished his studies in 1946 and was accepted to Medical School at Temple University. 

 

He married June Sword in 1947. They had four children, Linda, Barbara, Edward and Stephen. Upon completion of his medical degree, he interned at The University of Colorado, Denver General Hospital where he completed his Internship in 1952. Next he went to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota where he completed his Residency in Internal Medicine & completed a Masters of Science in Medicine in December 1955. 

 

Dr. Chapin and his family moved to Fullerton, CA. in 1955. Later he and Dr. Donald Mahony founded the Fullerton Internal Medicine Clinic. 

 

He was a Clinical Professor of Medicine at UC Irvine and mentored students in his practice in Fullerton. He practiced Internal Medicine and received his Internal Medicine Board status in June 1958. He became a Fellow in the American College of Angiology in February 1963. He specialized in Gastroenterology and became a Fellow in July 1969. He was a founding fellow of the American Geriatric Society (1972). He became a Fellow of the American College of Physicians in April 1973. He was a member of the Staff of St. Jude Hospital and served as its Chief of Staff. 

 

He retired in 1992. June Sword Chapin predeceased him in 1975. 

 

He married Nancy Rice Gray in 1976. She had three children, Rebecca, Cynthia and Catherine; and their family now numbered seven. 

 

His wife, seven children and 15 grandchildren survive him. He retired in 1992 and moved to La Jolla, and also built a home in Sun Valley, Idaho.

 

He enjoyed fishing, golfing, hiking and model building. He was an accomplished musician, playing in a Dixieland jazz band as a clarinetist and soprano saxophone player. 

 

He was a great story teller and could entertain for hours. No doubt this talent came from his numerous debates during his high school days. 

 

Dr. Chapin was a special man who helped many along the way. His wisdom, strength, conviction, insight thoughtful involvement, mentorship and statesmanship were all part of Dr. Chapin's character. he diagnosed the difficult cases, comforted the ill, cured the infirmed, liked being a patient's doctor and enjoyed life. He raised seven children and they all benefitted from his insights. He was always questioning his grandchildren and their potential spouses on who they were, what they wanted to be and encouraging them to be the best they could be. It was the Chapin Inquisition. He wanted above all that his children were upstanding, honest had a sense of justice and set a good example for all. 

 

He enjoyed life with his wife, Nancy, as they experienced many good times with friends, travel, fishing, golf, family and the conservative & contemporary issues of the day. Through he was opinionated and passionate, he had a positive attitude and saw the potential and the best in everyone. He was a gentleman and scholar, a friend, a doctor, a father, grandfather and an inspiration to all. He never met a stranger. All who were fortunate to know him will miss his friendly smile, boisterous laugh and good times. 

 

A Memorial Service is planned for 11:00 am at the First Presbyterian Church in Fullerton on Saturday, January 28th @ 838 N. Euclid St. Fullerton, CA. 92835. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Chapin's memory be made to: St. Jude Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 4138 Fullerton, CA. 92835.

 

Published in Orange County Register on Jan. 15, 2006

 

Add Comment

There are currently no comments.

Add Comment